Maxey’s Farm Shop in Kirklington and Nottinghamshire 'Pick Your Own’ Pumpkins in Oxton host pumpkin picking events not far from Newark or Southwell

As the spooky season approaches, picking the perfect pumpkin is an experience suitable for all ages, and not that far from home.

Considered one of the most popular pumpkin patches in the UK last year, Maxey’s Farm Shop in Kirklington is open every day until Halloween (October 31).

All pumpkins on the farm are home-grown from seed, with sizes ranging from miniature to XXL and colours from orange, green, blue and white.

The P..P..Pick up a Pumpkin event began in 2012 in a small field next to the shop where employee James would wait for each customer to choose their pumpkin before going and cutting it.

Besides pumpkins, the farm also has a wide selection of squashes, ideal or cooking or creating a quirky Halloween display.

The squashes include onion squash, crown prince, spaghetti squash and Turks turban.

The farm owners advise taking wellies or boots to the field as it might be uneven and muddy.

Mini squash prices start from 50p and pumpkins from £2.

Admission to the event is £2 per person, but under 16’s enter for free.

In Oxton is the Nottinghamshire 'Pick Your Own’ Pumpkins, which has more than 40,000 pumpkins to choose from.

The free entry event is running daily from 9.30am to 5pm, but from October 29 until Halloween day it will close at 4pm

The family-run business started 14 years ago with only 300 pumpkins and now grows thousands of pumpkins, squashes and gourds.

There is a wide range of colours and varieties including white, blue, green and pink with prices varying from £3 to £9.

It offers a family-friendly atmosphere, with a chance to also pick your own sweetcorn and potatoes.

There will be food by Little Schnauzer Coffee Company available and free parking.